Commentary on the world around us by an 'ordinary Aussie'.
I believe that the individual, their rights, freedoms and aspirations form the basic building blocks of a free society. I'm for; .Individual Rights, Freedom, Responsibility; .An Australian Republic (with a directly elected Head of State with real, codified reserve powers); .A Bill of Rights (with RKBA); .Direct Democracy (Initiative, Referendum, Recall); .Accessable, quality education; .A strong defence force; .Free markets.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Cartoons, Free Speech, and one-way tolerance.

I believe in free speech, but I believe that is only part of the issue. If Islam believes in media tolerance, then it should be a reciprocal arrangement, and it isn't. Have a look here and here some examples of anti-semitism in the Arab media, and here for some further information on the subject. A 'net search on 'cartoons, arabic media' gives you some interesting images. Islamic countries routinely print ant-semetic, anti-west, and anti christian cartoons. Hypocrisy pure and simple at work there.

Another part of the issue is that a minority in one society should NOT be able to dictate to the majority what the limits of freedom of expression should be. (It is my belief freedom of expression should be constitutionally enshrined, and as broadly interpreted as possible). Yes, they can participate in debate, and work to influence the dialogue that forms policy, but if they resort first to threats, and actual violence, that is something that should be resisted.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" (Attributed to 'Voltaire')

A clash of the values at the core of two very different cultures, and I for one don't think appeasement is the answer.

E-mail me at;

Flintknapper_344 at hotmail dot com

"€œGood people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."€� - George Orwell
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" - Benjamin Franklin